This volume draws together diverse sources of information from the EIB's own reports and bulletins, as well as reports of the Us Federal Reserve Board, the IMF and OECD, together with press and journal sources to examine the history, borrowing and lending operations from 1958-1980. It also discusses some of the environmental and social effects of its lending activities. Some consideration has also been given to the bank's operations beyond EU boundaries. The book sheds light on an important EU institution which is crucial to EU member states' infrastructure, industry and economy.